Miniature holiday villages spread joy at Perth seniors’ residence

A retirement residence in Perth has set up a glowing miniature village to spread joy to residents and visitors this holiday season. Dave Charbonneau has more.

The Christmas season has come to life in a very personal way at a senior’s residence in Perth, Ont., bringing families together and spreading joy throughout the holidays.

For the past six years, the owner of Lanark Lifestyles retirement home has been building miniature animated Christmas displays for residents and their families.

“I do it in order to try to entice the grandkids and the great-grandkids to come in and see their grandparents at Christmas,” said Wit Lewandowski, co-owner of Lanark Lifestyles and the creator of the displays.

For many residents, the displays aren’t just something to look at, they’re something to be part of.

“A lot of the times, the residents will help take the items out of the box. They’ll help you know, once I get a lot of the electronics set up and everything, they’ll help place the figurines in places they think work best,” Lewandowski said.

The elaborate displays have become well known, drawing attention from both near and far.

“Wit has done this at his other retirement home in Ottawa, and I’ve had people from Ottawa come to see if we have the village here as well,” said Lorel Brennan, senior living advisor at Lanark Lifestyles.

“So, it’s quite well known in the area that Wit does this.”

The displays help create a sense of home and connection during the holidays.

“This is our home now and a lot of us can’t have great big trees and great big families around all of the time. And, Lanark Lifestyles, this is a place where we can all gather, and it’s just like home,” said resident Laura Finucan.

“It’s amazing. It’s just amazing. And it’s so attractive for residents and visitors and especially young children,” said resident Lois Mowat.

And for many, the details bring back memories from long ago.

“I always like the skating rink. I used to love to skate. So that brings back good memories,” said resident Lucy Morin.

“I like the merry go round. Reminds me of when I was, you know, a little kid. Yeah. But they’re all very nice,” said resident Ruth Duncan.

And for anyone worried about little hands getting too close, Lewandowski has a different approach.

“A lot of the grandkids will come and play with it. And you know, I don’t have signs on it, do not touch or anything else. If something breaks, we have glue,” Lewandowski said.

It’s a tradition built on kindness, bringing joy to residents, families and visitors throughout the holiday season.